Miami Football Predicted to Land Former USC Commit

The Miami Hurricanes continue to improve the 2027 recruiting class. Mario Cristobal and his staff have landed 13 commitments. The group already ranks first in the ACC and sixth in the nation, per Rivals with room for growth.

Miami has brought in a handful of pass catchers, including four-star tight end Demarcus Deroche and five-star wide receiver Nick Lennear. With summer approaching, many of the cycle's top players are closing in on a commitment decision.

The Hurricanes may be on the verge of making another big splash. Rivals' Steve Wiltfong and Adam Gorney both logged expert predictions for Miami to land wide receiver Eli Woodard.

Originally pledged to the USC Trojans, the pass catcher announced his decommitment on Tuesday, saying, "Excited to see where God takes me." His decision came several weeks after receiving a scholarship offer from the Hurricanes, according to 247Sports.

At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Woodard is a four-star recruit, the No. 25 wide receiver, the No. 16 player in California and the No. 169 player in the nation, per Rivals Industry Rankings.

He is coming off an impressive junior season at Chaparral High School. In 12 games, Woodard recorded 51 receptions for 1,070 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was also productive as a defender, accumulating 32 tackles, one interception, and seven pass deflections.

However, Miami isn't the only team pursuing the Temecula, California native. Gorney previously reported that the UCLA Bruins were also attempting to get involved for a commitment.

With expectations for the Hurricanes to come out on top, Woodard can be a key piece to Cristobal and his staff bringing in a second straight top-10 class.

Related: Jon Sumrall Has One-Word Response After Florida Recruiting News

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This story was originally published May 20, 2026 at 8:13 AM.